Custom 1990 Mazda B2200 - Plane Jane

This truck is definitely a little different than the average mini-truck built today. In fact the story behind Plane Jane and us here at MT is an interesting one in itself. The owner, Shawn Arcidino, wanted to keep the truck under tight wraps, so we didn't even get wind of it until right before we headed off to Showfest. We got a few snapshot photos and a little write-up and didn't put too much thought into the truck after that, and it got filed away in the Readers' Rides section - what a mistake that was! Showfest is such a huge show that we only came upon Plane Jane in person the very last day. Unfortunately, we missed the mark and a few other magazines beat us to the punch, so we waited patiently for our turn to have a crack at her. But this truck is not just a one- or two-feature mini, so we decided to go all-out and show our readers what really went into the buildup of this truck. Instead of hearing us ramble on and on about how cool both the truck and the owner are, we wanted you to hear the story behind the scenes and the reason for the build straight from the source. So, enjoy the story of all that is Plane Jane told by none other than Shawn "Sick Side" Arcidino. For more information or to get some killer custom work done, call Sick Side Kustoms at (816) 525-4421.

If you have attended any major national shows this year, you have probably seen a truck in the distance that might not strike you as something that necessarily belongs in a mini-truck show, something you would expect to see at an air show or behind a chain-link fence on a federal military base. Intrigued, you probably walked over to the truck and after a good long walk around her (if you paid close enough attention) you might have noticed that you were looking at one of the most heartfelt trucks that you've ever laid your eyes on. I am not just saying that because she's mine. I'm saying that because this one particular truck is Plane Jane, the P-51 Mazda truck built with my own two hands as owner and operator of Sick Side Kustoms. This truck was built and is driven with all my heart and soul, solidly committed to supporting the troops, the men and women of the Armed Forces (most of them are around our age), and showing them the best way I can how much they are appreciated. While we are kicked back checking out rides and wondering where the next party is, they are half a world away fighting for the rights we are enjoying, even as you're reading this magazine. Take a second and think about all the freedoms you enjoy each and every single day, and if you ever get a chance thank the troops in your own special way for those very same freedoms. Many of you reading this who I've met this show season, and even those I haven't, know someone overseas fighting or who died to fight for our country. And for them, I give the one gift I can, Plane Jane. This truck will honor all who have died and all who still stand to serve this great country of ours. Well, thanks for checking out my truck and don't forget to support the troops.

Shawn Arcidino, Sick Side Kustoms

History of Big, Beautiful Doll

With the call sign 472218, it was coded WZ-I while flown in the European Theatre of Operations and carried the nose art of Big, Beautiful Doll. This P-51 was flown by Colonel John Landers (pictured here), commanding officer of the 78th Fighter Group, who flew a series of P-38s and P-51s, all of which were named Big, Beautiful Doll. Col. Landers finished the war with 14.5 victories, plus 20 additional ground victories. It's interesting to note that the top row of Kill markings are for six Japanese aircraft, and Col. Landers flew in both the PTO and ETO and was an ACE in both.